Oil in My Lamp

(I am risking that this post might offend someone.)

It is important for us as followers of Christ to make sure that we are focusing on Jesus Christ, rather than his other followers.  We must not make the actual church along with the First Presidency, and the apostles our idols. When we think of idols, we usually think of movies stars, or worldly things that distract us from Christ. An idol is anything or anyone that we have placed as being more important than the Father and Jesus Christ. When we treat the First Presidency the way the world treats movie stars, as if meeting them will make us better, we are being idol. It is the Lord we must be looking for, a path that has to be completed through one’s personal faith.

This is not to say that should not listen to their counsel, and praise God for their dedication. We should, they are to be loved, appreciated, and respected. However, we must recognize that their inspiration and teaching comes FROM GOD, and we must WORSHIP GOD, not his instruments. When we worship those who love Christ, rather than Christ himself, we are putting our testimonies at risk. Our testimonies cannot be borrowed from those who have developed a personal relationship with Christ.

The parable of the Ten Virgins teaches this concept perfectly. Five had enough oil in their lamps, while five did not. If they five gave their oil to those who had not prepared, they would not have enough oil for their own selves. The lamps can represent their testimonies. The oil represents what they did to prepare their testimonies to meet the bridegroom (Jesus Christ). Our testimonies are our responsibility and salvation.

I am guilty of worshipping followers of Christ, and trying to use their oil to fill my lamp.

You may have read about Sister Thompson in one of my earlier posts. I know at some point in my progression, I have worshipped her faith. She is one of my heroes. She is beautiful inside and out, has an adorable family, and loves the Lord with all her heart. However, I needed to be worshipping the Father for allowing our paths to cross, and for allowing her to be an instrument in the His hands to teach me. I have mentioned this before, but I went through a period of time where I was offended by the church, and her faith was not enough for me to keep my grip on the iron rod. I had to reevaluate my testimony.

I adore President Uchtdorf. I believe that the spirit speaks to me similar to the way it speaks to Him. He is a very special witness of the Savior. After General Conference, I am one to talk about how amazing he was in general conference. That is idol. What I need to be doing however, is being grateful for his dedication to the Lord, his example, and thanking God that I was able to hear Him and learn of Christ through the words that President Uchtdorf spoke.

Why can’t our testimonies be based on other followers of Christ?

I mean, they have faith. Why can't I have a testimony that President is a true prophet, and call it good?

I could say that the church and it members are WONDERFUL, but they are human. They are subject to temptation and will at one point fail you.

However, more important than the fact that we are imperfect is that Christ has asked us to come unto Him. Not to come unto those who have come unto Him. We are to come to Jesus Christ, so that we may get to the Father. Our salvation is our responsibility, and we must do this by becoming close to the Father through Jesus Christ. It truly is the way to perfection, and coming to know the Lord. Jesus Christ is who died for our sins. Our Father in Heaven is who loves infinitely, and allows for our progression when we choose to be obedient to him.

Being mindful of my human tendencies helps me to be constantly repenting. I believing that if our mindful of ourselves, consistently asking forgiveness, and drawing near the Father through prayer, we can better set a foundation for our testimonies. Strengthened testimonies lead to strengthened relationships with the Father and Son, which will lead us to progression.

If you have any questions about how I worded something or have a opinion (I will read it and respond only if I am written to respectfully) I would be happy to hear feedback.